Susan's Place Transgender Resources

I live in Canada, born and raised.
My father is American and I got my American Passport and SSN very young.
But I've never used my SSN on anything because I live in Canada.
Well I did go to middle school in America, but that's it.

Once I change my documents here in Canada,
I'll than change my two documents from the US.

I plan on moving to the US once all that's done,
When they ask if about a previous name, will I have to write down my birth name?
Even though I have no credit/criminal/ or anything American connected too it?
Will my birth name follow me in my background checks anyway?
Not sure if I'm making any sense. But yeah.

In terms of employment background checks, what I recommend you put down if you don't want to out yourself is "none that any records would appear under" (or a similar statement). For reasons of potential discrimination the only names that an employer is supposed to inquire about (in many states) are those that records they want to check are under. If you put that down, they'll probably assume you were adopted or something along those lines (the general consensus is that except for security clearances and such you do not need to even bring up a childhood name change, but to be safe for TSs I recommend just stating that no records would appear under your former name).

Note that if any work or educational records (that you haven't successfully updated) they want to check are under your former name, you'll need to bring it up or else they'll think you're making up work or education that you don't have (when the check comes back saying that no one by that name worked or went to school there). Also, if in Canada (or anywhere else) you do have a criminal history under your former name you do not want to use my strategy, since any attempting to conceal a criminal record can get you in trouble. ETA: Also, if they want to check your driving record and they need to know about the name change to properly do that you may also have to bring it up then.

I dont know... but I just baught a Mossberg 500 shotgun a couple of days ago under my old name. Why would I do that you say? Because even though I am a US citizen, how I came to be one is by government cock-up. So, as a result, my changing over of legal documents came to a grinding halt because Indiana BMV will not accept my british deed poll papers. But, the reason I bought the shotgun was to A. See if I can pass a background check and B. Buy a weapon for home defence. Things do seem to be getting a bit screwy these days after all. But I think it proves that the background check just makes sure you dont have any outstanding warrants, prosecuted for anything illegal, etc. However, if your social security card has not been updated with your new name then yes, you should put down your old name. Once you get it changed, then I dont see why you need to put down your old name. Get it changed before you get a US drivers license. It will save you a big fat headache.

Quote from: Keaira on April 19, 2013, 08:40:15 AM
I dont know... but I just baught a Mossberg 500 shotgun a couple of days ago under my old name. Why would I do that you say? Because even though I am a US citizen, how I came to be one is by government cock-up. So, as a result, my changing over of legal documents came to a grinding halt because Indiana BMV will not accept my british deed poll papers. But, the reason I bought the shotgun was to A. See if I can pass a background check and B. Buy a weapon for home defence. Things do seem to be getting a bit screwy these days after all. But I think it proves that the background check just makes sure you dont have any outstanding warrants, prosecuted for anything illegal, etc. However, if your social security card has not been updated with your new name then yes, you should put down your old name. Once you get it changed, then I dont see why you need to put down your old name. Get it changed before you get a US drivers license. It will save you a big fat headache.

Bear in mind that background checks for purposes like buying guns (or other official government functions) are a different matter than ones done by an employer or landlord (where you may be subject to discrimination and thus you may not want to out yourself unless absolutely necessary). In the latter cases, the "background check" may also encompass checking your work/educational/credit (as applicable) history.

Today my mom was like ''So I think it's time for you to get a credit card.''
I said ''nope, not happening'' and explained to her the whole thing.
She agreed getting a credit card now would be a very bad idea.
Boy a my glad I found out about this whole background crap.

Can you update your driver's history/record?
I got a speeding ticket(oups stupid me) about 2 or 3 years ago.
Once I get my name changed, can I go to the station, show my papers and ask for it to be updated?
That's basically the only thing I have with that name. Please don't say I can't.

Quote from: Jayr on April 21, 2013, 05:42:03 PMCan you update your driver's history/record?
I got a speeding ticket(oups stupid me) about 2 or 3 years ago.
Once I get my name changed, can I go to the station, show my papers and ask for it to be updated?
That's basically the only thing I have with that name. Please don't say I can't.

This is a YMMV case; you can try, but it will probably depend on the state's policy whether or not the old name will remain on the record.

Out of curiosity, why do you want to move to the US (and not America, where you already are :p)? Overall, it sounds like a pretty counter-productive move.